HERBAL REMEDIES IN PHARMACOTHERAPY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Herbal remedies have been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries and are now gaining renewed attention in modern pharmacotherapy. This comprehensive review explores the role of herbal medicines in treating various diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, oncological, and gastrointestinal disorders. The pharmacological actions of widely used medicinal plants such as Hawthorn, Garlic, Fenugreek, Bitter Melon, Ginkgo biloba, and Curcumin are discussed, emphasizing their mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels. While herbal therapies offer promising alternative treatments, challenges such as herbal-drug interactions, safety concerns, and standardization issues remain significant obstacles. Advances in herbal drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, are enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these natural compounds. However, the lack of consistent regulations, mislabeling, and insufficient clinical evidence hinders the full integration of herbal remedies into mainstream medicine. Future prospects highlight the need for rigorous research, personalized approaches, and collaboration between traditional and modern practitioners to optimize the use of herbal pharmacotherapy. This review provides a foundation for understanding the potential, limitations, and future directions of herbal remedies in modern healthcare. KEYWORDS: Herbal remedies, pharmacotherapy, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, herbal-drug interactions, standardization, bioavailability.